I Love Guernsey!

So why does Guernsey remain loyal to Britain, rather than France her closest neighbour?

It all began in 933 AD when the Channel Islands became part of the Norman Realm. In 1066, the Duke of Normandy landed his army in Sussex and became William I of England. The Channel Islands, however, remained part of the Duchy of Normandy and continued to be governed as such.

When Continental Normandy was lost in 1204 the Channel Islands remained loyal to the King of England as the King promised to rule the islands as though he was the Duke of Normandy (i.e. observing the Duchy's laws, customs and liberties). This arrangement has been confirmed in charters of successive sovereigns that have secured for the islands their own judiciaries and freedom from the process of the English Courts. Indeed the Islands are independent in all matters with the exception of international representation and defence for which the United Kingdom is responsible.

The islands were the focal point of strife between England and France for many years due to their allegiance to England. At times, the French raided the islands and gained temporary footholds and, as a consequence, there are castles and fortresses around Guernsey that were originally built as a protection against invaders.

Today, the practice of selling items by the roadside is still very popular in Guernsey. Relying totally on honesty principles, produce such as vegetables, fruit and flowers are sold freely from the sides of roads all over Guernsey.



The incredibly low crime rate in Guernsey has ensured this practice remains as popular today as ever. Locally produced strawberries are a personal favourite of mine.

Ruettes Tranquilles are designated lanes found across the Island with a maximum speed limit of 15 mph. They are open to all traffic but give priority to walkers, cyclists and horse-riders.
The 'Quiet Route' in Guernsey French, these narrow lanes mark a refreshing change of pace from modern life. I have spent many a Sunday afternoon walking off too much roast dinner on the cliffs and Ruette Tranquilles!

Guernsey has a total of 27 fine beaches to suit all tastes. From sheltered rocky coves in the south to long sandy beaches on the west coast where you have the added pleasure of seeing the sun set into the Atlantic ocean . .

Here are some of my Favourites:

Vazon Bay


Vazon bay is Guernsey's largest beach at almost a mile long and is popular with locals, surfers, and holiday makers alike. During the summer months, the beach often plays host to sand race meetings, and on the Vazon coast road adjacent to the beach, sprint race meetings are held.

Fermain Bay


A secluded pebble cove at the foot of a wooded valley, Fermain Bay can be reached by cliff path from the town (St Peter Port) or from Jerbourg. There is no car park here, but this only serves to add to its charm, as this is a beach where you can go for real peace and quiet. My favourite Island beach.

Cobo Bay


This is a favourite spot for both residents and holiday makers alike and is probably Guernsey's busiest beach. Excellent swimming and sunbathing is a given for any Guernsey beach but this one has the added benefit on having a excellent pub and local music venue (the Rockmount) on its doorstep! A board sailing and surf school operates from here too.

Pembroke/L'ancresse Bay


The second largest beach in the Island, Pembroke Bay is situated on Guernsey's north coast and backs onto the Island's only 18 hole golf course. This beach can be breezy at times, hence its popularity with windsurfers. Pembroke Bay boasts the largest beach kiosk in the Island and an anti-tank wall acts as both a reminder of the German Occupation and as a convenient wind break!

The language of Guernsey Patois (which is a variation of French) is no longer commonly used in Guernsey. However, a legacy of this is that most streets and roads in Guernsey are named in French, and this can be confusing for the average UK visitor.
Whilst some streets have been re-named in English, many of the older Guernsey French names remain, so don't be surprised to come across names such as La Rue Des Leglise,Rue Des Sausmarez and Pleinmont for example.

A work of art and a labour of love, the Little Chapel in Guensey is possibly the smallest chapel in the world. It was built by Brother Déodat who started work in March 1914. His plan was to create a miniature version of the famous grotto and basilica at Lourdes in France. Guardianship of the Little Chapel now rests with Blanchelande Girls College which is run by a Charitable Trust. The Little Chapel is beautifully decorated with seashells, pebbles and colourful pieces of broken china.
It is free to visit and enter and has proven to be a very popular tourist attraction.

Every year in Guernsey on 9th May, celebrations get underway in recognition of the Island's liberation from German Occupying forces during World War Two.
This is a poignant day for many elderly islanders as it is a time of rememberance.

The Channel Islands were the only part of the British Isles to be occupied by the Nazis. Winston Churchill, the wartime Prime Minister, considered the islands to be indefensible. For five years, the islands suffered military occupation. German currency was circulated, curfews imposed, radios - and even carrier pigeons - confiscated and forbidden, and the population issued with identity cards. Food was in short supply.
On May 9th 1945, Churchill made this radio address and the Channel islands were once again free.

"Hostilities will end officially at one minute after midnight to-night, but in the interests of saving lives the "Cease fire" began yesterday to be sounded all along the front, and our dear Channel Islands are also to be freed to-day.

Liberation Monument - St Peter Port



Liberation Day Parade



Fireworks over Castle Cornet



This holiday is still celebrated today, and whilst some of the younger generation do not fully understand its meaning, May 9th will always be a day that is held dear by Islanders.

The Channel Islands were the only part of the British Isles to be occupied by German Forces during the Second World War. The occupation lasted from 30 June 1940 until the Liberation on 9 May 1945.
Deemed indefensible by Winston Churchill, their occupation by the Germans became an inevitability. Adolf Hitler saw the five islands of Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark and Herm as a strategic landing stage for an invasion of mainland France.

But it was precisely because of this precarious location on the edge of the Normandy coast that Churchill believed them to be beyond the scope of his armed forces and the Chanel Islands were left completely defenceless.

Evacuation

Islanders had to make the agonising decision of whether to stay or to leave their homes and possessions and flee to England.

Fearful of the impending invasion some 23,000 queued for days to register for evacuation - but only a handful of boats were available to take fleeing islanders to the mainland.

And when the boats stopped coming those who remained had to return to their homes to prepare for the German assault. It was a frightening time.

In the end only 7,000 islanders left after the Bailiff revealed in a rousing speech that they had been effectively abandoned to the coming invasion.

By 1 July 1940 the Germans had arrived and they were astonished to find the islands undefended.

There are many accounts of life for Islanders under German Occupation, the following i can heartily recommend:

Guernsey is often referred to in the media as a 'Tax Haven' or as having 'Tax Haven' status.

Now i don't really know what that means in political terms but here are the facts:

• Guernsey has had an Income tax rate of 20% for about 40 years. There are no higher rates.


• There are no capital taxes in Guernsey


• Tax on rateable value and Parish Rates are charged but are very low in comparison with what used to be charged in the UK.


• There is no council tax in Guernsey


• Excise duties are charged on tobacco, beer, wines and spirits and petroleum products. These are low compared with the UK.


• There is no VAT in Guernsey

Guernsey is a prosperous and wealthy Island. It is famous for being a world-class finance centre with many leading global companies having a presence here.
However, that is not to say Guernsey is a cheap place to live. Whilst it has lower taxes and duties than most of Britain the cost of living on such a small Island is incredibly high in comparison.

For example, the average house price in Guernsey for 2009 has now risen to over 400k - not exactly cheap by anyones standards!.